Can Chickens Catch Human Diseases?

[amyc]

This may be a stupid question, but I've been wondering all day about it. So I'm home sick from work today, and I'm not sure what I have - nasty cough and congestion - I was exposed to bronchitis and swine flu last week (really hating sick people now.....). Can my chicks catch what I have?

 

[chickletranch]

Generally, human and chicken illnesses/viruses do not cross species (with the dreaded Avian Flu being one exception). H1N1 is still a bit of a mystery, but I think the risk is low. Wash your hands before and after handling any of the birds, their feed/ers or water/ers as a regular precaution (which you are probably doing anyway). Feel better, Lynn